Syracuse has not gotten off to the best start this season, dropping its first two matches on the road. However, head coach Luke Jensen is not ready to panic yet. He knows adversity will only make his team better in the long run.

Jensen remains optimistic about the Orange’s ability to overcome the early struggles, pointing to his players’ unwavering confidence on the court.

‘You are going to lose. You have to lose before you win,’ Jensen said. ‘If I have to deal with confidence and self-esteem, we’ve already lost.’

Syracuse (0-2, 0-1 Big East) opened its season with two road losses to nationally ranked opponents South Florida and Texas Christian. Still, the Orange has its sights set on making the NCAA tournament this season after failing to accomplish that goal last season. With a young roster featuring five freshmen, the poor start could be detrimental to the team moving forward if not for Syracuse’s strong senior leadership.

The seniors have been critical to keeping the team together and maintaining confidence during the difficult start. Jensen is quick to praise the efforts of his senior captains, Emily Harman and Alessondra Parra. With a freshman-laden roster, leadership and a sense of direction are crucial to the Orange’s success.

The head coach believes Harman and Parra have already exceeded expectations as leaders.

‘Our two captains, it’s absolutely phenomenal how much they’ve grown since they were freshmen,’ Jensen said. ‘They’re not screamers and yellers, but they’ve improved every year in both work ethic and structure.’

Throughout their four years at Syracuse, Harman and Parra have demonstrated that growth in displaying the qualities that Jensen recruited them for — confidence, self-assuredness and strong character. These traits are needed now more than ever, and their ability to pass them along to the younger players will be pivotal to keeping the team on track.

Confidence is a trait that Jensen focuses on from day one of the recruiting process. Jensen looks beyond the tennis court when he decides who he wants in his Syracuse program. By recruiting similar-minded players, he is able to build a team of athletes that complement each other, both on and off the court.

That recruiting strategy pays off during times of struggle, such as those the Orange encountered in the last two weeks. The bond the players share allows them to stay hard-working and focused as they prepare for upcoming matches, Jensen said.

‘Losing the first two matches was kind of sobering, to be honest,’ Jensen said. ‘The players realize they have to train and work hard, and that they won’t be handed anything. We’re all about adversity here.’

The transition to collegiate athletics is difficult in any sport. And on a young team, veteran leadership becomes even more critical.

As far as Jensen is concerned, the upperclassmen set a framework for the newer players to follow, whether it is in time management, classes or handling the weather.

‘It’s tough here, and some of these kids have no idea what a nor’easter is,’ Jensen said. ‘On a daily basis, our leaders make sure that everyone has the offense, the system and the specifics down. They’re a support system to help us navigate through a turbulent championship season.’

Harman is the only player on this year’s team who has reached the 100-win mark over her career, bringing instant credibility in the locker room. She knows that her attitude and outlook will be noticed by everyone around the team, and she doesn’t take the responsibility lightly.

The senior captain stresses to her teammates the privileges associated with playing college athletics. By leading by example, Harman hopes to keep the team on the right track and avoid a downward spiral as a result of the two early losses.

‘It’s always important to make sure the team is moving in the right direction,’ Harman said. ‘The start is not what we would’ve wanted, but we can get better, and we can improve. The motivation will never cease.’

That motivation is something that can keep a team on the right track, especially after a difficult start to a long season. The confidence and motivation present in the locker room — exemplified through the attitude of the team leaders — has Jensen optimistic for this week’s match and beyond.

‘Our spirits couldn’t be higher,’ Jensen said. ‘This thing isn’t going to be over until April or May. The wins will come.’

kmprisei@syr.edu 

Published on January 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Kevin: kmprisei@syr.edu